OpenCPN and "Users" on a PC.

[Gilletarom]

Hello Dave,

Can you explain why on windows system, you set the config folder of OCPN in "All users" ?

That's tedious. If the "config folder" was in the individual user, it would be easy to operate, easy, two identical or different versions in parallel (as stable version and bêta version).

Perhaps have you a reason for this choice ?

Best regards

Gilletarom.

[Netsurfer]

Originally Posted by Gilletarom

Can you explain why on windows system, you set the config folder of OCPN in "All users" ?

That's tedious. If the "config folder" was in the individual user, it would be easy to operate, easy, two identical or different versions in parallel (as stable version and bêta version).

Perhaps have you a reason for this choice ?

I am not Dave ... but I might give you some explanation as well.

When planning the redesign for 2.3.x we discussed the question if it should be allowed/ possible to run multiple instances of OCPN and/ or different versions at the same time.

Due to its intended purpose it doesn't really make much sense and so Dave decided to not allow for such a scenario.

Next question for Windows platform is if you choose a per user or for all users installation. And as the first option brings more difficulties, drawbacks and complications with it (mainly in relation to the registry) we decided to make it an 'All users' application. And for such it is the recommended (by MS) design principle to place the config folder where it is now.

Another word about the multiple parallel versions:
The main problem hereby is the config file (opencpn.ini). How would you tell the program which config file to use? So having just one config file for all (versions + instances) makes this scenario not a preferable choice.
And the only "drawback/ disadvantage" I see is for testing. But I am pretty sure that you will be able to manage it anyway.

Gunther

[Viking Sailor]

Also, at one time work was being done on a portable version of OpenCPN. I don't think it ever got very far. The idea was to have a USB drive that could be used on any Windows or Linux OS. Not sure why it didn't get completed. It sure would be nice! Maybe someone would like to give it another try.

Paul

[tonyappuk]

Navigatrix will run from a USB drive. Link Navigatrix.net • The First Linux Distribution for Cruisers
Tony